Flavoring element for an inhalation device

ABSTRACT

A device for adding a flavor and/or cough suppressant component to an inhaler is described. The device includes a housing having an interior chamber, wherein the housing includes at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet connected to the interior chamber, thereby forming an airflow pathway through the interior chamber, and at least one flavoring and/or cough suppressant component positioned within the interior chamber, wherein the housing is attachable to an exterior surface of an inhaler having at least one air inlet, such that the at least one air outlet of the device aligns with the at least one air inlet of the inhaler to form an airflow path through the device and into the inhaler.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage entry of PCT/US16/27255 filed onApr. 13, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. provisional application No.62/148,030 filed on Apr. 15, 2015 both of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inhaling powder nicotine has become an effective and popular way todeliver nicotine to the bloodstream while reducing the hazardous effectsof smoking. Unpleasant odors and the hazardous effects of second handsmoke are just some of the effects that can be avoided by using a drypowder inhaler over a traditional cigarette. Conventional dry powdernicotine formulations may be substantially flavorless, or otherwise havea subtle or consequential flavor that may not be desired by the user. Inaddition, some users may prefer to introduce a particular flavor or agenerally appealing that will taste pleasant during inhalation.

It is known in the art that flavored particles can be mixed into a drypowder formulation and inhalation device as a composition with theactive ingredient, such that the flavored element aerosolizes with theactive ingredient during inhalation for a more pleasant taste (see forexample P.C.T. Publication No. WO 2013133903 to Kamler et al. and U.S.Patent Publication No. 2007/0267032 to Shan). However, once a particularflavor is pre-mixed with the active ingredient, the user cannot switchto a different flavor without replacing the entire mixture, potentiallywasting the medicament. Likewise, if the user wants to switch to aflavorless taste, the same wasteful result would occur since theflavored elements cannot be later removed from the active ingredient.

Further, a typical smoker often experiences an increase in coughing.Coughing is a reflex triggered in order to clear the airways ofsecretions and particulates (Polverino et al., Multidiscip Respir Med.2012; 7(1): 5). Among other causes, coughing can be triggered bymechanical or chemical stimulants on cough receptors found in variousparts of the human airways such as trachea, branching points of largeairways, pharynx and larynx. At a minimum, coughing can be an unpleasantside effect which the smoker may negatively associate with a nicotineformulation, or smoking cessation treatment. But at the same time,coughing may also render a treatment ineffective by expelling inhalednicotine formulation particles outside of the airways. An effectiveformulation for the treatment of nicotine addiction should ideally beable to deliver to the airways of the smoker enough of a nicotineformulation in a form and concentration that will mimic the effects ofcigarette smoking, while at the same time controlling and suppressingthe coughing reflex.

Menthol is a known and widely used topical analgesic, decongestant andcough suppressant. Almost all cigarettes contain menthol in order toadjust flavoring and reduce coughing. When the menthol concentration incigarettes exceeds 3%, then it is labeled as a menthol cigarette.Methods of using menthol in cigarettes include addition to the tobaccoleaf. A plastic ball filled with menthol can be stored in the filter ofa cigarette, and then crushed prior to smoking the cigarette. Uponlighting up the cigarette, the heated smoke acts to volatilize and carrythe menthol into the airways of the smoker.

But adding menthol to dry powder formulations of nicotine raises severalchallenges in terms of the effectiveness of the final product. Ofparticular interest is the effectiveness of menthol in reaching thecough receptors of the smoker. If the menthol particles hit a lessernumber of receptors than the nicotine particles, then the effectivenessof menthol in suppressing cough will be at best attenuated, or eveninexistent.

Thus, there is a need in the art for improved devices and methods foroptionally incorporating a flavor and/or cough suppressant component viaan inhalation device, such that the user has a high level of flexibilityand option as to what additional compounds are added or removed duringthe course of administering all or a portion of the active ingredient.The present invention satisfies this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device for adding a flavor component to an inhaler is described. Thedevice includes a housing having an interior chamber, wherein thehousing includes at least one air inlet and at least one air outletconnected to the interior chamber, thereby forming an airflow pathwaythrough the interior chamber, and at least one flavoring componentpositioned within the interior chamber, wherein the housing isattachable to an exterior surface of an inhaler having at least one airinlet, such that the at least one air outlet of the device aligns withthe at least one air inlet of the inhaler to form an airflow paththrough the device and into the inhaler.

Also described is a dry powder inhaler. The inhaler includes a firsthousing having a proximal end, a distal end and a length therebetween,wherein the housing defines an internal passage having proximal,intermediate and distal regions along the first housing length, aproximal end opening, a distal end opening and proximal region openingeach in connection with the internal passage, a dry powder medicamentcompartment within the distal region of the internal passage, a powderfluidization and deagglomeration apparatus within the intermediateregion of the internal passage, and a second housing having an interiorchamber, wherein the second housing includes at least one air inlet andat least one air outlet connected to the interior chamber, therebyforming an airflow pathway through the interior chamber, and at leastone flavoring component positioned within the interior chamber, whereinthe at least one air outlet of the second housing aligns with theproximal region opening of the first housing when the second housingengages the first housing.

Also described is a method for dry powder inhalation. In certainembodiments, the method includes the steps of providing a dry powderinhaler including a proximal end having a proximal opening, a distalend, and shaft wall extending from the proximal end to the distal end, afirst compartment configured to hold a dry powder, a pathway connectedto the first compartment by a first opening, the pathway including theproximal opening, and a second opening in the shaft wall connected tothe pathway. In certain embodiment, the method provides a housingattachable to the shaft wall and configured to at least partially coverthe second opening, the housing having first and second housing openingsand at least one flavoring or cough suppressant component. The methodmay also include the step of generating a negative pressure at theproximal opening such that a portion of the dry powder exits the firstcompartment and enters the pathway, a portion of the at least oneflavoring or cough suppressant component exits the housing and entersthe pathway through the second opening, and the portion of the drypowder and the portion of the at least one flavoring or coughsuppressant mix in an airflow generated by the negative pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing purposes and features, as well as other purposes andfeatures, will become apparent with reference to the description andaccompanying figures below, which are included to provide anunderstanding of the invention and constitute a part of thespecification, in which like numerals represent like elements, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary dry powder inhaler.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary attachable flavoringand/or cough suppressant compartment.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary dry powder inhalerhaving a flavoring or cough suppressant compartment attached thereto.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of another exemplary dry powder inhalerhaving a flavoring or cough suppressant compartment attached thereto.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of yet another exemplary dry powderinhaler having a flavoring or cough suppressant compartment attachedthereto.

FIG. 6 is a photograph of an exemplary flavoring or cough suppressantcompartment attached to an inhaler.

FIG. 7 is a picture of an exemplary cylindrical flavoring or coughsuppressant compartment insertable into an opening of an inhaler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description, the examples included therein, and tothe Figures and their following description. The drawings, which are notnecessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intendedto limit the scope of the invention. The detailed descriptionillustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principlesof the invention. The skilled artisan will readily appreciate that thedevices and methods described herein are merely examples and thatvariations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. It is also to be understood that the terminology usedherein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only andis not intended to be limiting. It is to be understood that the figuresand descriptions of the present invention have been simplified toillustrate elements that are relevant for a more clear comprehension ofthe present invention, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity,many other elements found in systems and methods of providing flavoringand/or cough suppressant compounds for an inhalation device. Those ofordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements and/or stepsare desirable and/or required in implementing the present invention.However, because such elements and steps are well known in the art, andbecause they do not facilitate a better understanding of the presentinvention, a discussion of such elements and steps is not providedherein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations andmodifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled in theart.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methodsand materials are described.

As used herein, each of the following terms has the meaning associatedwith it in this section.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to morethan one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of thearticle. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more thanone element.

“About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as anamount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompassvariations of ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, and ±0.1% from the specified value,as such variations are appropriate.

As used herein, the term “dry powder” refers to a fine particulatecomposition that is not suspended or dissolved in a propellant, carrier,or other liquid, and it is not meant to necessarily imply a completeabsence of all water molecules.

Unless stated otherwise, the described size or size range of a particleshould be considered as the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) ofthe particle or set of particles. Such values are based on thedistribution of the aerodynamic particle diameters defined as thediameter of a sphere with a density of 1 gm/cm³ that has the sameaerodynamic behavior as the particle which is being characterized.Because the particles described herein may be in a variety of densitiesand shapes, the size of the particles is expressed as the MMAD and notthe actual diameter of the particles.

Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention canbe presented in a range format. It should be understood that thedescription in range format is merely for convenience and brevity andshould not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of theinvention. Where appropriate, the description of a range should beconsidered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges aswell as individual numerical values within that range. For example,description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to havespecifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well asindividual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5,5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, in which like referencenumerals indicate like parts or elements throughout the several views,in various embodiments, presented herein is a flavoring and/or coughsuppressant compartment suitable for use in conjunction with aninhalation device, such as may be used for inhalation of nicotine basedformulations.

With reference to FIG. 1, the dry powder inhaler or device 10 is formedfrom a housing 20 in the form of a shaft extending from a proximal end12 to a distal end 16. Preferably, the housing 20 may form a generallycylindrical shape, similar to a conventional cigarette. In alternativeembodiments, the device housing can form any other desired shape, suchas substantially rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal or any othershape, as will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art.The proximal tip of the device 10 has a round opening 11, forming amouthpiece (MP) that allows a user to inhale through the opening 11 andgenerate a negative pressure at the proximal end 12 of the device 10. Itshould be appreciated that opening 11 may be any shape desired, such asoval, or a narrowed slit. Preferably, opening 11 is ergonomically shapedor contoured in conjunction with the proximal end of the MP to fitcomfortably within the subject's mouth. An intermediate region 14 ofdevice 10 includes a powder fluidization and deagglomeration apparatus(PFD) positioned within an interior chamber 26 of the device housing 20.The PFD may be integrated with the interior surface of housing 20 as asingle unit, or the PFD may be a separate component that is removablefrom the interior of housing 20. The PFD also has a housing wall 30forming an internal chamber 24. The PFD further includes an opening 34at its distal end which may further serve as a piercing component forpiercing a container of dry powder, such as dry powder capsule 50.Opening 34 includes a channel into internal chamber 24, such that an airpassage is created between the inside of capsule 50 and internal chamber24 of the PFD. Alternatively, opening 34 of the PFD may be positioned toaccess a dry powder reservoir within housing 20. As contemplated herein,the PFD housing wall 30 can form a number of geometries defininginternal chamber 24, including a tapered geometry forming afrusto-conical chamber 24, as shown in FIG. 1. Functionally, the PFDprovides powder fluidization, or entraining powder in the air stream,and for reducing fluidized powder suspended in the air stream to at ornear primary particle state. The distal end 16 of device 10 terminatesin an opening 17 that in certain embodiments, can be removable and/or becovered by a filter.

When a negative pressure is applied to the proximal passage 22 of theMP, air is pulled from the external environment 5 through opening 17 atthe distal end 16 of device 10 and past the capsule 50 or other powderreservoir into internal chamber 26 of device 10. This air is thenfurther pulled through an opening 32 within wall 30 of the PFD housingand into internal chamber 24 of the PFD. A portion of the air enteringthe chamber 24 via chamber opening 32 flows directly towards theproximal opening 11, forming a primary airflow. Additionally, the lowpressure area at the distal end of internal chamber 24 creates asecondary airflow directed towards this distal end region of internalchamber 24. The decreasing cross-sectional area of chamber 24 in thedistal direction causes a burst of secondary airflow which enters thepierced capsule and scours the surface of powder in the capsule,entraining a small portion of powder before rejoining the primaryairflow traveling proximally towards opening 11 for inhalation by theuser. Alternatively, instead of (or in addition to) opening 32, PFDhousing wall 30 may include any shape or geometry suitable forgenerating an air passage or hole within the capsule wall whenpunctured, such that air may flow directly from chamber 26 into thecapsule. Device 10 can be used to inhale a dry powder formulation thatis positioned directly into a powder reservoir chamber, or that iscontained within a capsule or other separate packaging that can beplaced within device 10.

An opening 40 in the housing wall 20 of the MP opens into passage 22provides a passageway between the proximal passage 22 and the externalenvironment 5. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the opening 40 (or CA)can serve as a chase airflow pathway, such that the velocity of theairborne powder particles drawn into the MP by the PFD can be increasedand delivered deep into the lungs, instead of settling in the MP anduser's mouth.

In certain embodiments, the inhalation devices described herein may beused to deliver a medicament, such as dry powder formulations ofnicotine, and optionally other selected materials contained within astorage chamber, such as a capsule. For example, in one embodiment, theformulation includes nicotine particles (also referred to herein as thenicotine-based component) sized substantially between 1-10 microns,based on the MMD of the particles.

Further included is a detachable compartment 60 suitable for containingat least one flavoring and/or cough suppressant component therein, asshown in isolation in FIG. 2. Compartment 60 is formed from a housing 62that may include at least one air inlet opening 64, at least one airoutlet opening 66 and at least one flavoring and/or cough suppressantcomponent 70 positioned at least partially within an interior chamber 68of housing 62. Housing 62 may be any shape, size or geometry desired,without limitation.

Flavoring and/or cough suppressant component 70 may be a loosecomposition, such as a powder, or it may be a liquid composition withina pad or wick, such that at least a portion of the liquid compositionmay go through a phase transition to form a vapor within chamber 68. Itshould be appreciated that there is no limitation to the type offlavoring and/or cough suppressant component, to the containmentmechanism of the flavoring and/or cough suppressant component, or to therelease of any portion of the flavoring and/or cough suppressantcomponent within chamber 68.

In another embodiment, component 70 may be or include a flavorcomponent. In one embodiment, the flavor component is menthol. Inanother embodiment, the flavor component is vanilla. In otherembodiments, the flavor component may include tobacco, fruit flavors, orfood grade flavorings used in candy or baking. It should be appreciatedthat the flavor compound may be any flavoring compound known in the art,preferably a regulatory-approved flavoring compound. This flavorcomponent may impact the subject in the oral cavity during use of thedevices described herein to produce a desired flavor, as the flavorcomponent particles may be limited in their ability to enter into thesubject's lungs.

In one embodiment, component 70 may be or include a cough suppressantcomponent. In one embodiment, the cough suppressant component ismenthol. In another embodiment, the cough suppressant component mayinclude benzocaine. It should be appreciated that the cough suppressantcomponent can include any compound approved for suppressing cough. Inembodiments where the component is menthol, cough may be reduced bysoothing irritation in the subject's upper airways via menthol particlescontacting the upper airways of the subject when inhaled via the devicesdescribed herein. In another embodiment, the cough suppressant componentmay also reduce a cough caused by irritation of the oro-pharynx, theglottis vocal cords and other anatomic regions more proximal or closerto the mouth that contain receptors that can trigger cough or triggerother unwanted sensations. As contemplated herein, the cough suppressantcomponent may be formulated such that it is substantially prohibitedfrom entering the sub-glottic airways. It should be appreciated that thecough suppressant component may act to dilute the medicament componentand decrease cough caused by nicotine irritating the oro-pharynx, vocalcords and other anatomic regions proximal to the trachea.

Accordingly, the devices and methods presented herein represent a novelproduct and approach to delivery of dry powder nicotine-basedformulations with optional or customized flavoring and/or coughsuppressant components. Unlike existing technologies which do notseparate or segregate material components according to size, compositionor other parameter, the present invention selectively controls thecombination of components delivered to the subject at the time of useaccording to user selection. Accordingly, a unique and superior productis presented that delivers respirable nicotine to the alveoli and smallairways while optionally delivering a cough suppressant to the largerairways and/or the oro-pharynx, as well as optionally delivering flavorparticles to the oral cavity.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a more simplified drypowder inhaler 10 is shown, with compartment 60 releasably attachedthereto. As shown, compartment 60 is positioned on the exterior surfaceof housing 20, such that the at least one air outlet 66 is positionedover opening 40 of housing 20, thereby allowing an airflow path 80 topermit air from the external environment 5 to be drawn through inletopening 64 into chamber 68 and through opening 40 into proximal passage22 of device 10. In certain embodiments, the compartment 60 clips ontothe outer surface of housing 20 using a snap-fit or similar matingconfiguration for temporary engagement of compartment 60 to device 10.Alternative securement methods known in the art may also be used, suchas a snap or other friction fit, spring tension, ties, adhesives,screw-in or magnetic securement. It should be appreciated that there isno limitation to the type of engagement mechanism for attachingcompartment 60 to device 10. While the flavoring and/or coughsuppressant compartment is generally described herein as beingattachable and detachable, in other embodiments the flavoring and/orcough suppressant compartment may be permanently affixed to at least aportion of housing 20 of device 10.

During inhalation, airflow along flow path 80 passes across theflavoring and/or cough suppressant component 70, such that at least aportion of the flavoring and/or cough suppressant component (either as avapor or other particle) is released into chamber 68 and pulled intoproximal passage 22 during inhalation at the mouthpiece opening 11.Accordingly, when device 10 also has a capsule 50 engaged by the PFD,the medicament within capsule 50 is drawn into proximal passage 22,admixed with the flavoring and/or cough suppressant component 70 drawnfrom compartment 60, and delivered to the patient as a mix of medicamentand flavoring and/or cough suppressant component. It should beappreciated that the flavoring and/or cough suppressant component may bedelivered in this manner either as a mix with the medicament, asdescribed above, or it may be delivered separately from the medicament,such as shortly before medicament delivery or shortly after medicamentdelivery, as desired by the subject.

In certain embodiments, a single flavoring and/or cough suppressantcomponent 70 is shaped to form a position distally, proximally,adjacent, or above opening 40 or device 10. In alternative embodiments,multiple flavoring and/or cough suppressant components 70 can beutilized for placement at various positions near opening 40. In theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, a single flavoring and/or coughsuppressant component 70 is positioned distal of opening 40. In anotherexample shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, a flavoring and/orcough suppressant component is positioned proximal of opening 40. Theexample of FIG. 5 shows a first 70 a and second 70 b flavoring and/orcough suppressant component positioned on opposite sides of opening 40.Accordingly, components 70 a and 70 b may be the same or different typeof flavoring and/or cough suppressant component. Combinations of thesepositions can be employed in alternate embodiments, as desired. Althougha single inlet opening 64 is shown in FIGS. 3-5, as mentionedpreviously, multiple openings, or a filtered or porous opening, can beemployed, as is true for outlet opening 66. Further, inlet openings 64may be angled through the housing 62 or be formed of different sizes topromote a particular airflow of air during inhalation. Similar opening64 patterns could be formed to increased airflow over the flavoringand/or cough suppressant component 70 for a more powerful flavoringand/or cough suppressant effect. A hinged or removable cap to any ofopenings 64 could also be used so that the flavoring and/or coughsuppressant component does not dry out too quickly while not in use. Aworking example of the flavoring and/or cough suppressant compartmentreleasably attached to a dry powder inhaler is shown in FIG. 6.

In still other embodiments, the compartment 60 may take the form of aninsertable column, as shown in FIG. 7. As shown, compartment 60 may begenerally cylindrical or otherwise suitably shaped to fit snugly intoopening 40 of device 10. Compartment 60 may include a hollow passage orlumen running through its length, and the flavoring and/or coughsuppressant component 70 may be positioned along at least a portion ofthe interior surfaces of the lumen. Accordingly, airflow from theexterior environment 5 may flow through the lumen of insertedcompartment 60, such that at least a portion of the flavoring and/orcough suppressant component 70 is drawn into the proximal passage 22 ofdevice 10. In this embodiment, the compartment 60 can protrude partiallyinto passageways of the dry powder inhaler to further promote mixingwith the internal airflow of the device. In a further embodiment, thelumen through compartment 60 may also include a pressure actuatedelastomeric valve (such as a sleeve, duckbill or slit valve) thatactuates in response to a threshold negative air pressure, such as auser inhalation.

In further embodiments, the flavoring and/or cough suppressantcompartment may be engaged with the distal opening 17 of device 10.Accordingly, the flavoring and/or cough suppressant component 70 may bedrawn into the same flow of air prior to entrainment of the medicamentpowder within capsule 50.

As would be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art,embodiments of the invention have applications that may extend beyonddry powder inhalers. For instance, vapor-type cigarettes and diagnosticinhalation systems such as bronchial provocation devices can alsobenefit from the invention as described throughout the embodiments.

An exemplary method for dry powder inhalation is as follows. In certainembodiments, the method includes the steps of providing a dry powderinhaler including a proximal end having a proximal opening, a distalend, and shaft wall extending from the proximal end to the distal end, afirst compartment configured to hold a dry powder, a pathway connectedto the first compartment by a first opening, the pathway including theproximal opening, and a second opening in the shaft wall connected tothe pathway. In certain embodiment, the method provides a housingattachable to the shaft wall and configured to at least partially coverthe second opening, the housing having first and second housing openingsand at least one flavoring or cough suppressant component. The methodmay also include the step of generating a negative pressure at theproximal opening such that a portion of the dry powder exits the firstcompartment and enters the pathway, a portion of the at least oneflavoring or cough suppressant component exits the housing and entersthe pathway through the second opening, and the portion of the drypowder and the portion of the at least one flavoring or coughsuppressant mix in an airflow generated by the negative pressure. Incertain embodiments the dry powder comprises nicotine. Other medicamentscould also be utilized. In certain embodiments, the negative pressure isgenerated by a user inhalation, although it could also be generated by amachine, such as in a diagnostic device. The housing is attachable anddetachable to the shaft wall, thus, in certain embodiments, the methodincludes the step of detaching the housing from the shaft wall, andgenerating a second user inhalation generating an airflow comprising thedry powder. The user could optionally reattach the housing and generatea third user inhalation, or alternatively generate a third inhalationwithout reattaching the housing, depending on their preference for theflavor or cough suppressant. In certain embodiments, the portion of thedry powder and the portion of the at least one flavoring or coughsuppressant mix at least partially within the pathway. In certainembodiments, the portion of the dry powder and the portion of the atleast one flavoring or cough suppressant mix at least partially afterexiting the proximal opening. In certain embodiments, they mix bothbefore and after leaving the proximal opening, as part of a generalmixing process in the airstream. In certain embodiment, the flavoring orcough suppressant component is a liquid contained within a wickpositioned within the housing, either partially or fully. In certainembodiments, the flavoring or cough suppressant component comprisesmenthol.

The disclosures of each and every patent, patent application, andpublication cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. While this invention has been disclosed with referenceto specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments andvariations of this invention may be devised by others skilled in the artwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for adding a flavor or cough suppressantcomponent to an inhaler, comprising: a housing having an interiorchamber, wherein the housing includes at least one air inlet and atleast one air outlet connected to the interior chamber, thereby formingan airflow pathway through the interior chamber; and at least oneflavoring or cough suppressant component positioned within the interiorchamber; wherein the housing is attachable to an exterior surface of aninhaler having at least one air inlet, such that the at least one airoutlet of the device aligns with the at least one air inlet of theinhaler to form an airflow path through the device and into the inhaler.2. The device of claim 1, wherein the flavoring or cough suppressantcomponent is a powder.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the flavoringor cough suppressant component is a liquid contained within a wickpositioned within the interior chamber of the device.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the inhaler is a dry powder inhaler.
 5. The device ofclaim 4, wherein the dry powder inhaler is suitable for delivering a drypowder formulation comprising nicotine.
 6. The device of claim 5,wherein the flavoring or cough suppressant component comprises menthol.7. The device of claim 6, wherein the menthol and nicotine formulationare delivered to a subject simultaneously via inhalation.
 8. A drypowder inhaler, comprising: a first housing having a proximal end, adistal end and a length therebetween, wherein the housing defines aninternal passage having proximal, intermediate and distal regions alongthe first housing length; a proximal end opening, a distal end openingand proximal region opening each in connection with the internalpassage; a dry powder medicament compartment within the distal region ofthe internal passage; a powder fluidization and deagglomerationapparatus within the intermediate region of the internal passage; and asecond housing having an interior chamber, wherein the second housingincludes at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet connected tothe interior chamber, thereby forming an airflow pathway through theinterior chamber, and at least one flavoring or cough suppressantcomponent positioned within the interior chamber, wherein the at leastone air outlet of the second housing aligns with the proximal regionopening of the first housing when the second housing engages the firsthousing.
 9. The inhaler of claim 1, wherein the flavoring or coughsuppressant component is a powder.
 10. The inhaler of claim 1, whereinthe flavoring or cough suppressant component is a liquid containedwithin a wick positioned within the interior chamber of the device. 11.The inhaler of claim 10, wherein the flavoring or cough suppressantcomponent comprises menthol.
 12. The inhaler of claim 11, wherein theinhaler is suitable for delivering a dry powder formulation comprisingnicotine as the medicament.
 13. A method for dry powder inhalationcomprising: providing a dry powder inhaler comprising: a proximal endcomprising a proximal opening, a distal end, and shaft wall extendingfrom the proximal end to the distal end, a first compartment configuredto hold a dry powder, a pathway connected to the first compartment by afirst opening, the pathway comprising the proximal opening, and a secondopening in the shaft wall connected to the pathway; providing a housingattachable to the shaft wall and configured to at least partially coverthe second opening, the housing comprising first and second housingopenings and at least one flavoring or cough suppressant component; andgenerating a negative pressure at the proximal opening such that aportion of the dry powder exits the first compartment and enters thepathway, a portion of the at least one flavoring or cough suppressantcomponent exits the housing and enters the pathway through the secondopening, and the portion of the dry powder and the portion of the atleast one flavoring or cough suppressant mix in an airflow generated bythe negative pressure.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the drypowder comprises nicotine.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein thenegative pressure is generated by a user inhalation.
 16. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising the steps of: detaching the housing fromthe shaft wall; and generating a second user inhalation generating anairflow comprising the dry powder.
 17. The method of claim 13, whereinthe portion of the dry powder and the portion of the at least oneflavoring or cough suppressant mix at least partially within thepathway.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the portion of the drypowder and the portion of the at least one flavoring or coughsuppressant mix at least partially after exiting the proximal opening.19. The method of claim 13, wherein the flavoring or cough suppressantcomponent is a liquid contained within a wick positioned within thehousing.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the flavoring or coughsuppressant component comprises menthol.